Wearable article for holding a container

ABSTRACT

A wearable article for covering at least a portion of a user&#39;s hand, such article including a first section partially surrounding the hand by connecting at least a portion of the palm to at least a portion of the back of the hand, the first section passing via a zone joining the thumb and index finger of the hand, and via the edge of the hand; a second section connected to the first section so as to form an opening for passage of the thumb, and at least one mechanism for fastening a container on the first section. The fastening mechanism comprises a fastener connected to a section so that it is capable of partially surrounding the container in order to press a portion of the container against the first section. The points of attachment of the fastener to the section are spaced from the palm of the hand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French patent application Ser. No.11/01824, filed Jun. 14, 2011, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority ofwhich is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wearable article for covering aportion of a hand of a user and for supporting a container such as abottle, a flexible bag, or a tube containing a fluid.

2. Background Information

Athletes engaged in certain endurance sports, such as running onpavement or on a trail, need to rehydrate regularly during the exercise.For covering long distances independently, some runners carry a bottledirectly in their hand, an inconvenient and uncomfortable practicerequiring the athlete to maintain a tight grip on the bottle betweenhis/her fingers, which can lead to muscle pain over time. The handremains clenched and does not relax. In addition, the bottle can bedropped at any time, in the event the fingers were to relax their grip.

To overcome this drawback, certain manufacturers have designedbottle-holders that attach directly to a rigid bottle and include ahandle. Reference can be made, for example, to the “Quickdraw Elite”hand-held bottle carrier by Nathan. The athlete slips his/her handbetween the bottle and the handle, the handle then covering the back ofthe hand. The handle can include an opening for passage of the thumb inorder to improve the fit of the bottle-holder in the hand. This productis practical but nevertheless has some drawbacks. The hand is in directcontact with the bottle, which is not comfortable, as the material ofthe bottle is often not particularly pleasant to the touch. This directcontact also promotes heat exchange and the subsequent warming of theliquid in the bottle. Moreover, this accessory is provided to supportthe same bottle throughout the race. When empty, the bottle must berefilled; this can be time-consuming. Indeed, quickly replacing thebottle with another is difficult because of the design of the mechanismfor fastening the bottle-holder to the bottle. This particularbottle-holder was not designed for flexible bottles or pouches, nor wasit designed to be compatible with various container sizes.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,414,692 and 6,000,058 describe similar solutions,including a pocket adapted to receive a container, such pocket beingfastened to a glove or mitt using loop-and-hook self-gripping fasteners,such as Velcro® fasteners. These container holders were not designed foruse in sports, but rather to make it possible to handle a container ofcold or hot liquid. Therefore, the objective was to thermally isolatethe container from the hand. These gloves are therefore not adapted forthe dynamic movements associated with a race or other activity,particularly a sports activity. The mechanisms for fastening the pockethousing the container to the glove do not make possible proper retentionof the container against the glove during rapid hand movements.Moreover, the pockets are not adapted to receive flexible pouches orcontainers, nor to be compatible with various container sizes.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D633,215 discloses a glove comprising a strip sewninto the center of the palm area, the strip encircling a baby bottle.This accessory is adapted to prevent the baby's hand from releasing thebottle. It is not designed for use in sports and especially not toensure proper retention of the container against the glove during rapidhand movements. Indeed, the strip can easily rotate about its anchoringpoint. In addition, the glove is not adapted for flexible pouches orcontainers.

Furthermore, all of the aforementioned documents propose the containerto be held in a substantially vertical orientation, that is to say,perpendicular to the direction defining the natural extension of thehand corresponding substantially to the axis of the middle finger. Thus,the fingers can wrap around the container to grip the same. Thisconfiguration causes the container to overlap beneath the hand. Thisoverlap can hinder movement, especially if the overlapping portion ofthe container becomes caught on a projection in the surroundings. Thus,an impact on the container during hand movement can cause a force in thearea of the glove, which can damage the glove or injure the user.Furthermore, the container is not protected and it can also be damagedupon impact. Moreover, in this arrangement, the bottle is positioned soas to cover the palm of the hand completely. This zone would bethermogenic during a foot race, e.g., and, if such zone were not coveredor properly ventilated, perspiration would increase, thereby adding tothe discomfort.

SUMMARY

The invention solves one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks.

The invention provides an improved wearable article providing ease ofuse, particularly during practice of a sport.

The invention provides for better retention of a container on thewearable article.

Also, a wearable article according to the invention is compatible withvarious types of containers, including flexible pouches, bags, andcontainers of various sizes.

Additionally, a wearable article according to the invention supports acontainer that is easily replaceable while the article is being worn.

Still further, the article of the invention protects the container.

To these ends, the invention provides a wearable article covering atleast a portion of a user's hand, such article including a first sectionpartially surrounding the hand by connecting at least a portion of thepalm to at least a portion of the back of the hand, the first sectionextending via a zone joining the thumb and the index finger, and via theedge of the hand; a second section connected to the first section so asto form an opening for passage of the thumb and at least one mechanismfor fastening a container to the first section. The fastening mechanismincludes a fastener connected to a section so as to be capable ofpartially surrounding the container in order to press a portion of thecontainer against the first section, and the points of attachment of thefastener on the section are spaced from the palm of the hand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understoodfrom the following description, with reference to the annexed drawingsillustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, how the invention canbe embodied, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a ¾ front perspective view of a hand equipped with a wearablearticle carrying a flexible container according to a first embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a hand equipped with the wearable article;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a hand equipped with the wearable article, thewearable article being in a non-adjusted configuration on the hand;

FIG. 4 is a view like that of FIG. 3, with the wearable article being inanother configuration, adjusted on the hand;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a hand equipped with a wearable articleaccording to a second embodiment, the wearable article being in anadjusted configuration on the hand;

FIG. 6 is a ¾ rear perspective view of a hand equipped with a wearablearticle carrying two other containers according to a third embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a hand equipped with a wearable articlecarrying another flexible container according to a fourth embodiment ofthe invention; and

FIG. 8 is a front view of a hand equipped with the wearable articleaccording to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention. The wearablearticle comprises a partial envelope 1 covering a portion of a hand 2 ofa user. It is structured and arranged to support a container 31positioned in the palm 21 of the hand, without being gripped. Thecontainer is held in the hand without the user clamping his/her fingerson it. In this example, the container 31 is a flexible pouch, that is tosay, in the illustrated embodiment, a bottle having deformable walls.

In this illustrated embodiment, the envelope 1 includes a first section11 surrounding a portion of the wearer's hand by connecting the palm 21to the back 22 of the hand 2, the section 11 extending via a zone 23joining the thumb 25 and index finger 26 of the hand, and via the edge24 of the hand. The junction zone 23 extends on both sides of a lineconnecting the base of the thumb to the base of the index finger, on aportion of the back of the hand, on the radial side (toward the thumb)and on a portion of the palm of the hand, on the radial side. The edge24 of the hand covers a zone extending on both sides of a lineconnecting the palm 21 to the back 22 of the hand, on the ulnar side(toward the little finger), on a portion of the back of the hand (on theulnar side), and on a portion of the palm of the hand (on the ulnarside).

The first section 11 is formed of a plurality of constituent portions.

A first portion 111 partially covers the palm 21. This is the portionthat forms the interface between the skin and the container when thecontainer is carried against the palm. This portion 111 thus makes itpossible to isolate the container from the skin. For example, it can bemade of an elastic and honeycombed material in order to improve usercomfort. This material is pleasant to the touch and adapts to the handmorphology. The cells provide better ventilation of the palm. A materialmeeting this need can be a mixture of polyester and spandex orpolyamide. This portion 111 can also be made of any of other materials,such as neoprene, that generates little heat.

A second portion 112 covers the edge 24 of the hand. This portion 112serves to protect the hypothenar eminence of the hand. By way ofexample, a low-stretch and honeycombed 3D fabric is suitable for thisportion. This material allows for good ventilation while providingsatisfactory support. An exemplary material that meets this need ispolyester.

A third portion 113 covers much of the back 22 of the hand. This portionserves as an attachment zone for fastening mechanisms for a container,but also for attachment of an adjustment tab 13, or tongue, structuredand arranged to adjust the envelope to the morphology of the user'shand. Therefore, this portion should be low-stretch, i.e., it shouldhave a structure that is not elastic or not very elastic, in order toensure proper anchoring, and it includes an outer surface 113 a forattaching an inner surface 131 of the adjustment tab. These two surfacesare thus provided with additional self-fastening mechanisms that aredescribed below. One solution for making this third portion, amongothers, involves superimposing a low-stretch fastening fabric with ahoneycombed elastic fabric the same as or similar to that used for thefirst portion 111. The honeycombed fabric is comfortable and providesthe same advantages as those described above. As an example, thestructure of the fastening fabric used as a reinforcement includestextile loops. The material used for this fabric can be brushedpolyester. This third portion is demarcated, on the ulnar side (towardthe edge of the hand), by a seam 113 b and, on the radial side (towardthe thumb), by a seam 113 c, such seams being stitched seams, forexample.

A fourth portion 114 connects the first portion 111 to the third portion113. A seam 115, such as stitching, marks the boundary between the firstportion 111 and the fourth portion 114 in the junction zone 23, towardthe palm. The fourth portion 114 serves to adjust the envelope to themorphology of the user's hand. It must be flexible so as to be capableof bending or folding, thereby making it possible to reduce thecircumference of the first section 11. In this example, this fourthportion can be comprised of the same material or fabric as that used forthe first portion 111.

The adjustment tab 13 is assembled at one 133 of its ends by or to theseam 115, such as stitching, and is oriented to extend on the side ofthe back of the hand. It widens toward the other end 134 in order toincrease the surface for attachment to the third portion 113.

The adjustment tab 13 includes an inner side 131 made of a material thatmakes it possible for the tab to grip the outer surface 113 a of thethird portion 113. In this example, the material is brushed polyesterhaving a structure with textile hooks or any equivalent structure. Theinner surface 131 of the adjustment tab 13 and the outer surface 113 aof the third portion 113 form the attachment mechanisms of theadjustment system of the envelope. The surfaces, comprising textileloops and hooks, whether knitted or woven, are pleasant to the touch andprotect the environment. The textile loops and hooks do not catch onother garments, unlike conventional self-gripping fastening mechanismsmade of injected plastic, such as Velcro®. However, these conventionalself-gripping fastening mechanisms can also be used.

The adjustment tab 13 can also include an outer side 132 made of amaterial that is pleasant to the touch. As an example, the material ofthe outer surface 132 is capable of absorbing liquid so thatperspiration can be dried or wiped from the face of the user, with asimple movement, during exercise.

To adjust the envelope to the morphology of the user's hand, the userpulls on the adjustment tab 13 toward the back 22 of the hand. When thefirst portion is satisfactorily tightened around the hand, the userbrings the inner surface 131 of the end 134 of the adjustment tabagainst the third portion 113, so that the attachment mechanisms 131,113 a can cooperate. This action shortens the fourth portion 114 andtherefore reduces the circumference of the section 11. The envelope istherefore adjusted to the morphology of the user's hand.

The envelope 1 includes a second section 12 connected to the firstsection 11 so as to form an opening 14 for passage of the thumb 25. Aseam 141, such as stitching, demarcates the opening 14. Thus, thesections 11 and 12 surround the base of the thumb 25. The opening 14 forpassage of the thumb is sized so that the base of the thumb is cleared.Advantageously, the opening extends toward the edge of the hand in ordernot to cover the thenar eminence. This zone is not biased; the movementof the thumb thus being facilitated, thereby providing ease of use ofthe article. By way of example, the opening 14 can form a “V” in thiszone.

A seam 116, such as stitching, demarcates an edge of the envelope,toward the fingers. This seam 116 runs along the first section 11.Another such seam 126 demarcates the other edge of the envelope, towardthe wrist. The seam 126 surrounds a portion of the first section 11 anda portion of the second section 12.

According to an alternative embodiment, the adjustment tab 13 isconnected to the second section 12. In this case, tightening is adjustedaround the hand behind the thumb 25, on the side of the wrist. Thecircumference is therefore slightly adjusted above the wrist, in thearea of the second section 12.

The adjustment tab 13 is not required. The envelope can incorporateportions that are sufficiently resilient to permit adjustment of theenvelope to the morphology of the user's hand.

From a constructional perspective, the first and second sections are notnecessarily made as separate panels. For example, the first 111, third113, and fourth 114 portions of the first section 11 and second section12 form a single panel made of a flexible and honeycombed material. Inthis case, the third portion 113 is reinforced by the covering ofanother more rigid and adherent fabric, as described previously.Alternatively, the third portion 113 is a separate panel made entirelyof a rigid fabric and is engageable with the adjustment tab 13.

According to another, more minimalist embodiment, the first section 11includes an elastic band connecting a back panel corresponding to theportion 113, in the area of junction of the thumb and the index finger,and a panel covering the edge of the hand, corresponding to the portion112. The second section 12 is also an elastic band connecting the backpanel corresponding to the portion 113, in the area of the base of thethumb, on the side of the wrist, and the panel covering the edge of thehand, corresponding to the portion 112.

The invention encompasses other embodiments having a similarconstruction, that is to say, an envelope including a first sectionsurrounding the hand by passing between the thumb and the index finger,and a second section connected to the first, passing via the base of thethumb, on the side of the wrist. The invention is not limited to the useof any particular material for making the sections.

The envelope 1 includes a first fastening mechanism 15 arranged in thearea of the zone 23 joining the thumb 25 and index finger 26 of thehand.

In this example, the first fastening mechanism 15 includes an elasticstring 150, each end 151 and 152 of which is assembled on the seam 113 cof the third portion 113, in the area of the back 22 of the hand, towardthe fingers. The elastic string 150 and a portion of the edge 113 c ofthe third portion 113 forms a first tightening loop 153 constituting thefirst fastening mechanism 15.

The first fastening mechanism 15 is adapted to surround the upperportion 31 a of a container 31. The upper end of the container is passedin the tightening loop 153 widened by the user, and the elastic stringis then relaxed in the area of the upper portion 31 a of the container.To make it easier to grip the elastic string 150, a strip 154 isattached thereto. The user can then easily grab and pull on the strip154 in order to expand the elastic string.

When released, the elastic string 150 contracts, pressing the upperportion 31 a of the container against the first section 11. The upperend of the container 31 is held in relation to the envelope 1. This endgenerally includes a cap 31 e.

The two ends 151 and 152 of the elastic string 150, in an exemplaryembodiment, are spaced apart by a distance between 1.5 and 3.0 cm. Thisspacing improves the stability of the container 31 by preventing it frompivoting about the anchor of the elastic string 150 on the edge 113 c ofthe third portion 113. In addition, this spacing enables the adjustmenttab 13 to pass through the tightening loop 153.

The envelope 1 includes a second fastening mechanism 16 adapted tosurround the lower portion 31 b of a container 31 in order to press aportion of the container against the first section 11.

In this example, the second fastening mechanism 16 includes an elasticband 160, forming a fastener, each end 161 and 162 of which is assembledon the third portion 113.

The first end 161 is attached to the edge 113 c of the third portion113, in the area of the back 22 of the hand, toward the wrist. Thisattachment point is therefore located in the area of an attachment zoneof the second section 12, where a tendon of an extensor muscle of thethumb is located. The potential attachment zone extends on both sides ofthe interface, or junction, between the palm portion and the back of thehand portion, over three centimeters, for example, on each side. Theeffective attachment point is positioned, according to an exemplaryembodiment, as close as possible to this interface located in theextension of the thumb.

The second end 162 is attached to the edge 113 b of the third portion113, in the area of the back 22 of the hand, toward the fingers. Thisattachment point is therefore located in the area of the edge 24 of thehand. The edge 24 of the hand, constituting the second potentialattachment zone of the elastic band 160, extends on both sides of theinterface, or junction, between the palm portion and the back of thehand portion, over three centimeters, for example, on each side.

The two points of attachment of the fastener 160 on the envelope 1 arethus spaced from the palm 21 of the hand.

The band 160 extends along a portion of the palm and partially coversthe thenar eminence and hypothenar eminence. Consequently, the band 160extends along a direction Y forming an angle α greater than 45° withrespect the axis X defined by the edge 24 of the hand, along a planepassing through the palm of the hand. This orientation of the fasteningmechanism is illustrated in FIG. 2.

The elastic band 160, the fastener, and a dorsal or posterior portion ofthe sections 11 and 12 of the envelope 1, that is to say, arranged onthe back of the hand, form a second tightening loop 163 constituting thesecond fastening mechanism 16. Thus, the tightening loop surrounds thehand equipped with the container, which provides excellent retention ofthe container against an inner or anterior portion of the sections 11and 12 of the envelope 1, that is to say, arranged in the area of thepalm of the hand. The force exerted by the tightening loop 163 isdistributed around the hand, in the area of the back of the hand, by thedorsal portion of the sections 11 and 12 of the envelope 1, and in thearea of the container by the elastic band 160. Thus, the container isbetter immobilized than a glove provided with a tightening mechanismlocated in the palm of the hand. The risk of swaying is reduced.

The use of this second fastening mechanism 16 is similar to that of thefirst fastening mechanism 15. One end of the container 31 is passedthrough the tightening loop 163 expanded by the user; the container isslipped through the tightening loop and the elastic band is released inthe area of the lower portion 31 b of the container.

When released, the elastic band 160 contracts, pressing the lowerportion 31 b of the container against the first section 11. The lowerend of the container 31 is held in relation to the envelope 1.

The elastic band 160 includes an inner side 164 opposite the palm, andan outer surface 165. The inner side 164, in an exemplary embodiment,includes a coating made of non-slip material adapted to be in contactwith at least a portion of the container. Consequently, such coatingreduces any relative movement between the container walls and theelastic band. The container is then even better retained. The outersurface 165 can be used for decorative purposes.

The container is mainly retained by the second fastening mechanism 16.

The combination of the two fastening mechanisms 15 and 16 makes itpossible to better immobilize the container.

For the immobilization to be effective, the two fastening mechanisms 15and 16 must be spaced from one another. The distance d between thecenter of the two fastening mechanisms 15 and 16, in a particularembodiment, is between 4.0 and 10 cm. Due to this spacing, the fasteningmechanisms prevent or considerably limit the rotation R of the containerabout an axis perpendicular to the palm of the hand.

Moreover, the translation T of the container along its longitudinal axisin relation to the envelope 1 is limited by the friction forces betweenthe fastening mechanisms 15 and 16 and the walls of the container 11. Inaddition, the walls of the container 11 are not smooth or uniform. Thecross section of the container is often variable. Accordingly, thetightening of the fastening mechanisms 15, 16 is generally located inrecesses of the container, which contributes to the translationalimmobilization. Furthermore, the non-slip coating of the inner side 164of the elastic band 160 improves the axial retention.

Finally, retention of the container against the palm is obtained by thetwo fastening mechanism 15 and 16. These fastening mechanism press thecontainer against the first section 11 of the envelope 1, preventing thespacing E of the container from the hand.

The invention thus provides another way to carry a container. Unlike theprior art, in which the bottle is carried in a vertical orientation,that is to say, perpendicular to the direction defining the naturalelongation of the hand, the container holder according to the inventionpositions the container along a direction that is more suitable for arace and other sports activities. The container is therefore inclinedwith respect to a “vertical” direction. The fastening mechanisms make itpossible to orient the container so that its major axis corresponds to adirection Z inclined by an angle β, in a clockwise direction, withrespect to the axis of the middle finger (at rest). The angle β is lessthan 60°. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle β is close to 45°, so asto position the top of the container in the area of junction between thethumb and the middle finger. Thus, the container is protected by thehand, the wrist, and possibly a portion of the forearm. Moreover, duringa race, e.g., in which the athlete's hand is constantly swinging, thisarrangement promotes the runner's balance. Indeed, the liquid inside thecontainer moves along a direction corresponding substantially to thehand/forearm alignment. This inertia only slightly penalizes themovement of the arms, which is not the case when the fluid moves along adirection perpendicular to the hand/forearm alignment, as is the casewith the known container holders.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the second fastening mechanism isreplaced by an elastic band 190, the two ends 191, 192 of which areassembled in the same attachment point located on the second section 12,at the base of the thumb, on the side of the wrist. This can be on theedge 113 c of the third portion 113, in the area of the back 22 of thehand, on the side of the wrist. The elastic band 190 then surrounds thebase of the hand in a zone slightly offset from the side of the wrist.This design makes it possible to position the container either againstthe palm of the hand or against the back of the hand. When the containeris carried against the palm of the hand, the container is held by atightening loop 193 formed by the elastic band 190. In thisconfiguration, a portion of the elastic band 190 remains pressed againstthe back of the envelope 1. When the container is carried against theback of the hand, a portion of the elastic band 190 is pressed against aportion of the sections 11 and 12 of the envelope 1. The secondfastening mechanism 19 is thus formed by the tightening loop 193. Thesetwo configurations use the same fastening mechanisms 15 and 19.

In this example, the elastic band 190 constitutes the fastener as wellas the fastening mechanism within the context of the invention. Thepoints of attachment of the elastic band 190 on the envelope 1 arespaced from the palm of the hand and are substantially in the samelocation, i.e., as close as possible to the palm/back of the handinterface, located in the extension of the thumb. The orientation of theelastic band 190 is similar to the first embodiment; it extends along adirection Y forming an angle α greater than 45° with respect to the axisX defined by the edge 24 of the hand, along a plane passing through thepalm of the hand.

The first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 can also be reversible, inthe sense that the fastening mechanisms 15 and 16 allow retention of thecontainer against both the palm 21 of the hand and the back 22 of thehand. To switch from one configuration to the other, it is necessary topass the elastic band 160 on the other side of the hand. Advantageously,the attachment points of the string 150 or the band 160 are located asclose as possible to the palm/back of the hand interface in order toobtain an equivalent tightening tension, regardless of the carryingconfiguration of the container (i.e., whether in the palm or on the backof the hand).

Alternatively, an envelope can be designed and provided to only pressthe container against the back of the hand. In this case, in aparticular exemplary embodiment, the first fastening mechanism isassembled on or by the seam 115, such as stitching. Furthermore, theattachment points of the second fastening mechanism can be offset towardthe palm 21 of the hand. This embodiment is advantageous because itfrees the palm, and thus makes it possible, to use poles that can helppushing forward when racing on mountainous terrain. The envelope couldalso be structured and arranged to incorporate means for removableconnection to the pole, as is known in the prior art.

Another possibility involves adding fastening mechanisms in order tosupport two containers, one on each side of the hand. FIG. 6 illustratessuch an embodiment. The first 15 and second 16 fastening mechanisms aresimilar to the first embodiment described above. In this illustration,the fastening mechanisms make it possible to hold a conventional rigidbottle 32 higher than the flexible pouch 31 shown previously. The firstfastening mechanism 15 retains the upper portion 32 a of the bottle. Thesecond fastening mechanism 16 retains the middle portion 32 b of thebottle. In this example, the envelope includes third and fourthfastening mechanisms 17 and 18 adapted to support another container 33positioned on the back 22 of the hand. Here, this third type ofcontainer 33 can be a tube filled with an energy gel used to preventmuscle soreness. The third fastening mechanism 17 is similar to thefirst fastening mechanism 15. The fourth fastening mechanism 18 issimilar to the second fastening mechanism 16.

Advantageously, one or more fastening mechanisms can include astructural device or mechanism 171 to adjust the length of thetightening loop 173. This adjustment makes it possible to adapt tovarious container sizes and to adjust the force pressing and holding thecontainer against the hand. This also makes it possible to envisionnon-elastic fastening mechanisms, the tightening then being made by theadjustment mechanism. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of thisadjustment mechanism. The third fastening mechanism 17 incorporates ablocker 171 that carries out this adjustment function. The length of theelastic string 170 forming the tightening loop 173 can be adjusted.Other adjustment mechanisms are also within the scope of the invention.

In clever constructions, the envelope can incorporate pockets or nets,which can be positioned in the third portion 113 of the first section 11or on the adjustment tab 13. They can be closed by a zipper or by anelastic band. They can be used to house a key, coins or paper money, ora tube filled with an energy gel. FIG. 5 illustrates an envelopeprovided with a pocket 135 housed within the adjustment tab 13 andhaving an opening closed by a zipper 136.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment structured and arranged to retaina long container 34. In this example, it is a long flexible pouch orbag. The envelope 1 includes the same first 15 and second 16 fasteningmechanisms as those of the first embodiment. However, the envelope 1includes a third fastening mechanism 19′ similar to the second fasteningmechanism 19 of the second embodiment. The third fastening mechanism 19′comprises an elastic band 190′ whose two ends are attached in the areaof the same fastening point on the second section 12 of the envelope.The elastic band 190′ surrounds the base of the hand in a zone slightlyoffset from the side of the wrist. This third complementary fasteningmechanism makes it possible to reinforce the retention of an end of thecontainer in relation to the hand. Thus, the first fastening mechanism15 makes it possible to press on the upper portion 34 a of thecontainer. The second fastening mechanism 16 can make it possible topress on the middle portion 34 b. The third fastening mechanism 19′makes it possible to press on the lower portion 34 c. The position ofthe container 34 is therefore more stable with respect to the hand.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment in which a container 35 is retained by asingle fastening mechanism 50. In this example, the envelope 1 includesa first portion 11 and a second portion 12. On the front portion 12 ofthe envelope, on the side of the palm, a panel 500 partially covers thefirst portion 111 of the first section 11 and partially the secondsection 12, on the side of the palm.

A first end 501 of the panel 500 is attached to the first section 11 inthe area of an attachment zone of the edge 24 of the hand. The edge 24of the hand, constituting the first potential attachment zone of thepanel 500, extends on both sides of the interface, or junction, betweenthe palm portion and the back of the hand portion, over threecentimeters on each side. In this example, the attachment of the end 501extends substantially over the entire width of the first section 11.Alternatively, the attachment can cover only part of the width of thefirst section 11.

A second end 502 of the panel 500 is attached in the area of anattachment zone of the second section 12, in which a tendon of anextensor muscle of the thumb of the hand is located. This secondpotential attachment zone extends on both sides of the interface, orjunction, between the palm portion and the back of the hand portion,over three centimeters on each side. In a particular embodiment, theeffective attachment point is positioned as close as possible to thisinterface located in the extension of the thumb. In this example, theattachment of this end 502 extends substantially over the entire widthof the second section 12. Alternatively, the attachment can cover onlypart of the width of the second section 12.

Thus, the two points of attachment of the fastening mechanism 50 on theenvelope 1 are thus spaced from the palm 21 of the hand.

This construction therefore forms an open pocket in which the container31 to be carried is inserted. The container 35 is thus pressed againstan inner or anterior portion of the sections 11 and 12 of the envelope1, that is to say, arranged in the area of the palm of the hand. Thisretention is achieved by a tightening loop 503 formed by the panel 500and by a dorsal, or posterior, portion of the sections 11 and 12 of theenvelope 1, that is to say, arranged on the back of the hand. Thus, thetightening loop 503 constitutes the fastening mechanism 50 whose panel500 is an element thereof.

The panel 500 is made of an elastic material in order to able to deformfor passage of the container and to exert sufficient pressure tomaintain the container against the section 11 of the envelope 1.

The orientation of the panel 500 is similar to that of the previousembodiments, insofar as it extends along a direction Y forming an angleα greater than 45° with respect to the axis X defined by the edge 24 ofthe hand, along a plane passing via the palm of the hand.

As previously, the fastening mechanism 50, once positioned, makes itpossible to orient the container 35 so that its major axis correspondsto a direction Z inclined by an angle β in a clockwise direction, withrespect to the axis of the middle finger (at rest). According to theillustrated embodiment, the angle β is less than 30°.

These various embodiments enable containers of various sizes to beretained. Because the fastening mechanisms are simple and practical, itis very easy to replace an empty container with another, full container,the latter being capable of having other dimensions than the emptycontainer. Furthermore, the fastening mechanisms constantly press thecontainer against the hand, which provides carrying stability. Thecontainer does not move, or moves only slightly. These fasteningmechanisms are also adapted to various container structures, whetherthey are rigid or flexible. Thus, irrespective of the size and structureof the container, the container is retained (no swaying).

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described andencompasses all possible combinations of the previous examples.Similarly, the structure and constituent materials of the portions ofthe envelope can be different. The envelope can more or less cover thehand and cover part of the fingers, thus forming a mitt, or can coverthem completely, thus forming a glove. In any case, the envelopeprovides additional protection for the hand, including in the absence ofa container.

Advantageously, the envelope is designed to be versatile, in the sensethat it is suited for both right hand and left hand. This can beachieved, for example, by positioning the attachment points of thefastener of the second fastening mechanism close to theinterface/junction between the inner/palm portion and the outer/backportion of the sections 11, 12 of the envelope 1. Thus, it suffices toposition the fastener on the correct side to configure the fasteningmechanism: right hand/left hand. Another possibility involves designingan envelope that is symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to thepalm of the hand and/or with respect to a plane perpendicular to thepalm of the hand and passing substantially via the axis of the middlefinger, and/or with respect to a plane perpendicular to the palm of thehand and passing substantially via a “vertical” axis.

In an alternative embodiment, the attachment points of the fastener ofthe second fastening mechanism are located on the back of the hand, onthe portion 113 of the section 11 of the envelope 1.

The invention disclosed herein by way of exemplary embodiments suitablymay be practiced in the absence of any element or structure which is notspecifically disclosed herein.

1. A wearable article for covering at least a portion of a hand of awearer, comprising: a first section structured and arranged to partiallysurround the hand of the wearer by connecting at least a portion of apalm of the hand to at least a portion of a back of the hand, the firstsection extending through a junction zone structured and arranged tojoin a thumb and index finger of the hand, and over an edge of the hand;a second section connected to the first section so as to form an openingfor passage of the thumb of the hand of the wearer; at least onemechanism for fastening a container onto the first section; thefastening mechanism comprising a fastener connected to one of the firstand second sections of the wearable article, so that the wearablearticle can at least partially surround the container to press a portionof the container against the first section; points of attachment of thefastener to the one of the sections are positioned to be spaced from thepalm of the hand of the wearer.
 2. A wearable article according to claim1, wherein: the points of attachment of the fastener are positioned tobe proximate a palm/back of the hand interface.
 3. A wearable articleaccording to claim 1, wherein: one of the points of attachment of thefastener is positioned to be in an area of the second section, the areacomprising a zone of a tendon of an extensor muscle of the thumb of thehand of the wearer.
 4. A wearable article according to claim 1, wherein:one of the points of attachment of the fastener is positioned to belocated in the area of an edge of the hand of the wearer.
 5. A wearablearticle according to claim 1, wherein: the points of attachment of thefastener are substantially in a same location, the fastener structuredand arranged to surround a base of the hand of the wearer.
 6. A wearablearticle according to claim 1, wherein: the fastening mechanism forms atightening loop structured and arranged to surround the hand of thewearer equipped with the container.
 7. A wearable article according toclaim 1, wherein: the fastener extends along a direction Y forming anangle α greater than 45° with respect to an axis X defined by the edgeof the hand of the wearer, along a plane passing via the palm of thehand.
 8. A wearable article according to claim 1, wherein: the fastenercomprises an area made of a non-slip material structured and arrangedfor contact with a portion of the container.
 9. A wearable articleaccording to claim 1, wherein: the fastener is elastic.
 10. A wearablearticle according to claim 1, further comprising: a second fasteningmechanism arranged in an area of the junction zone.
 11. A wearablearticle according to claim 10, wherein: the second fastening mechanismforms, with a portion of the junction zone, a tightening loop structuredand arranged to surround a portion of the container.
 12. A wearablearticle according to claim 10, wherein: at least one of the fasteningmechanisms structured and arranged to surround a portion of thecontainer comprises a length-adjustable structure to enable a length ofsaid at least one of the fastening mechanisms to be adjustable.
 13. Awearable article according to claim 10, further comprising: a thirdfastening mechanism comprising a complementary fastening mechanismstructured and arranged to reinforce retention of an end of thecontainer in relation to the hand of the wearer.
 14. A wearable articleaccording to claim 1, further comprising: at least one additionalfastening mechanism structured and arranged to fasten a secondcontainer, one container on one side of the hand of the wearer and thesecond container on another of the hand of the wearer.
 15. A wearablearticle according to claim 1, wherein: the wearable article comprises atleast a partial envelope of the hand, in the form of a glove or a mitt.